March 18, 2009
MORE THAN THREE DOZEN FLOOD VICTIMS SELL
THEIR HOMES TO MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Charlotte– A fast-track program to buy flooded homes damaged in 2008 by Tropical Storm Fay has
ended with 37 homeowners agreeing to sell to Mecklenburg County. At its meeting Tuesday, March 17,
2009, the Board of County Commissioners approved the final “Quick Buy” Resolution of Intent to
Purchase for a home on Dunlavin Way.
After devastating floods in August and September 2008, Commissioners approved spending up to $4
million in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services’ capital and reserve funds, and up to $2 million
of unspent Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation bond funds to buy qualifying structures.
2008 Quick Buy
Purchase offers made:
Purchase offers accepted:
41
37
Total projected cost of 2008 Quick Buy:
Amount from County Storm Water fees:
Amount from Park & Recreation funds:
$5.8 million
$3.9 million
$1.9 million
90% of the Quick Buy purchase offers were accepted. The goal was for Mecklenburg County to acquire
flood-damaged, eligible homes before they were repaired. It was called a Quick Buy because offers were
processed in a matter of months. By comparison, it takes more than a year to buy flood-prone property
when federal or state grant dollars are used. Quick Buy purchases began in December 2008 and some of
the homes have already been torn down.
All 2008 Quick Buys are in the portion of the floodplain at highest risk of flooding. The homes were built
decades ago when there were no restrictions on floodplain construction. Most of the properties being
purchased are along Briar Creek near Shamrock Drive, Eastway Drive and The Plaza. Owners were
offered fair market value of the house before the flood, minus the flood damages. Owners were not forced
to sell. However, those who chose to repair their homes rather than sell had to comply with all regulations
for floodplain development. In some cases, that required the owner to raise the elevation of their living
space above flood heights.
The 37 properties will be left as open space and enhanced to improve water quality. Some of the land
acquired may eventually be used for recreational purposes such as a greenway.
Through Storm Water Services’ Floodplain Buyout Program, more than 220 high-risk structures have
been purchased in Charlotte-Mecklenburg floodplains since 2000. The majority of the buyouts, including
the Cavalier Apartments, have been partially funded with federal and state grants. The buildings have
been torn down, moving 300 families out of harm’s way.
Buying and removing buildings at the highest risk of flooding actually saves the public money in the long
run. “It’s cheaper for the government to permanently get people and buildings out of danger than it is to
repeatedly issue disaster checks after severe floods,” said Tim Trautman of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm
Water Services. “Buyouts also save money on flood insurance claims and on emergency response to
floods.”
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For additional information contact:
Tim Trautman
Flood Mitigation Program Manager
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services
704-336-7357
The Quick Buy is designed to help Mecklenburg County meet its Strategic Goal of “Protecting County residents and their property from harm
through effective flood mitigation strategies.”